Rudiment — Ru di*ment, n. [L. rudimentum, fr. rudis unwrought, ignorant, rude: cf. F. rudiment. See {Rude}.] 1. That which is unformed or undeveloped; the principle which lies at the bottom of any development; an unfinished beginning. [1913 Webster] but I… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

rudiment — ► NOUN 1) (rudiments) the first principles of a subject. 2) (rudiments) an elementary or primitive form of something. 3) Biology an undeveloped or immature part or organ. ORIGIN Latin rudimentum, from rudis unwrought … English terms dictionary

rudiment — [ro͞o′də mənt] n. [L rudimentum &LT; rudis: see RUDE] 1. a first principle, element, or fundamental, as of a subject to be learned usually used in pl. [the rudiments of physics] 2. a first slight beginning or appearance, or undeveloped form or… … English World dictionary